Extreme or sustained anxiety leads to potentially damaging physical effects on our bodies. During times of anxious thoughts our bodies takeover and begin travelling through three phases of stress.
First, the body goes into fight or flight mode. This is the initial and immediate response to perceived threats If we're anxious our bodies assume danger is near. You experience a surge of energy and adrenaline which gives you the strength to fight off danger or run for safety.
For most people, once the initial worries are passed, our bodies return to normal and we are able to rest and recover. However, if your mind continues to experience anxiety, your body enters the second phase of stressed response where the body continues hormone secretion to assist with a sustained response to a threat.
This is called the resistance phase and the body works for a prolonged response to danger. Once the body completes the first two phases, the body enters the exhaustion phase and the depleted resources are replenished, restoring your body to its prior condition.
For people with anxiety problems, panic attacks and other phobias their minds are in such a state of unrest that the body experiences the first two phases too frequently for too prolonged a time.
In some cases the mind and body are simply stuck in panic mode, cycling through the first stages. These are horribly taxing not only on the mind but the body as well. The very same hormones that assist with fight or flight responses and resistance responses such as adrenaline become very damaging to the body when secreted in large quantities.
If your body experiences prolonged and frequent adrenaline surges, it can lead to the weakening of your heart. The hormones cortisol and vasopressin which the body produces during the resistance stage lead to high blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
If your body is constantly surging through the cycles without sufficient time to recover, your sleep will be affected as well. Without a proper sleep cycle with sufficient REM sleep, your body and mind further deteriorate.
Victims then become increasingly anxious about the physical toll to their bodies which further fuels the hormonal surges leading to even greater detrimental effects.
People who suffer from anxiety often experience at least some of the following symptoms:
- exhaustion
- disturbed sleep
- headaches
- bowel problems
- increased sickness from an affected immune system
- irritability
- lack of concentration
- angry or upset outbursts
The first step for many people experiencing anxiety is to consult their health professional. The physical effects often lead to consulting a doctor. Doctor's are increasingly educated about anxiety disorders and can help diagnose your condition.
While prescription medications, particularly for depression are sometimes prescribed, often doctors suggest alternative remedies to your problems or positive lifestyle changes that can be used instead of or coupled with medication.
People with nervousness and uncontrolled panic attacks are eager to apply non medication techniques and tools to get relief from worries and stress.
Positive-Thought-RedirectionTM is a powerful tool that will be introduced in the free report you can download here.
